Posted By Troy E. Renck On March 3, 2011 @ 9:09 am In Rockies on Deck,Spring Training | No Comments

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ubaldo Jimenez’s absence from games will be brief. The Rockies’ ace told The Denver Post this morning[1] that he expects to pitch Monday, leaving him back on track for opening day.

He missed Wednesday’s assignment because of an infected thumb cuticle. The injury was caused by the way he grips the ball when pitching.

“It’s much better. You can’t even tell,” Jimenez said. “I will throw a bullpen session either (tomorrow) or Saturday and plan on pitching Monday.”

Jimenez went 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA last season. He enters this season as a strong Cy Young candidate. The injury is worth monitoring since pitching aggravates it. It happened last year as well, but it was at the top of the cuticle, not on the side.

Monfort update.

Rockies’ owner Charlie Monfort remains hospitalized after falling in Scottsdale on Wednesday. He’s expected to be released soon.